News & Events
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Dear Sweetwater Community,
We stand in solidarity with our neighbors, public agencies, elected officials, and community organizations in response to the unacceptable treatment of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla by federal agents in Los Angeles. This incident does not reflect the values we hold as Americans, and we unequivocally denounce it.
We recognize the growing concern about immigration enforcement in our South Bay community. The Sweetwater Union High School District remains committed to supporting and respecting our Latino and immigrant communities. With a student population that is 70% Latino and 10% Filipino, we take pride in our binational identity and the richness it brings to our schools.
Sweetwater does not collect or maintain immigration status information. Our board policies and administrative regulations ensure staff are equipped to handle these matters with care. Our top priority is to maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every student.
Living along the border gives us a unique understanding: we can uphold law and order while also demanding empathy in enforcement. Every person deserves dignity, and we call on all who enforce the law to do so with compassion.
To those who choose to protest, we urge peaceful assembly, inspired by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez, who showed that nonviolence leads to lasting change.
Let us continue to build a community rooted in unity, diversity, and our shared commitment to justice. Together, we can rise to the challenge and uphold the democratic values that define us.
In solidarity,
Moises G. Aguirre, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Sweetwater Union High School District
Estimada Comunidad de Sweetwater,
Nos solidarizamos con nuestros vecinos, agencias públicas, funcionarios electos y organizaciones comunitarias en respuesta al trato inaceptable recibido por el Senador de los Estados Unidos, Alex Padilla, por parte de agentes federales en Los Ángeles. Este incidente no refleja los valores que sostenemos como estadounidenses, y lo condenamos de manera inequívoca.
Reconocemos la creciente preocupación sobre la aplicación de leyes migratorias en nuestra comunidad del South Bay. El Distrito Escolar Sweetwater Union High reafirma su compromiso de apoyar y respetar a nuestras comunidades latinas e inmigrantes. Con una población estudiantil compuesta en un 70% por estudiantes latinos y un 10% por estudiantes filipinos, nos enorgullece nuestra identidad binacional y la riqueza que aporta a nuestras escuelas.
Sweetwater no recopila ni mantiene información sobre el estatus migratorio. Nuestras políticas de la mesa directiva y reglamentos administrativos aseguran que el personal esté preparado para manejar estos asuntos con sensibilidad. Nuestra máxima prioridad es mantener un entorno seguro, acogedor e inclusivo para cada estudiante.
Vivir en la frontera nos brinda una comprensión única: podemos mantener el orden y la ley mientras exigimos empatía en su aplicación. Toda persona merece dignidad, y hacemos un llamado a todos quienes hacen cumplir la ley a que lo hagan con compasión.
A quienes eligen manifestarse, les pedimos que lo hagan de manera pacífica, inspirados en líderes como Martin Luther King Jr. y César Chávez, quienes demostraron que la no violencia conduce a un cambio duradero.
Sigamos construyendo una comunidad basada en la unidad, la diversidad y nuestro compromiso compartido con la justicia. Juntos, podemos enfrentar este desafío y defender los valores democráticos que nos definen.
Con solidaridad,
Moises G. Aguirre, Ed.D.
Superintendente
Distrito Escolar Sweetwater Union High -
Dear Sweetwater Community,
As a district that proudly serves a diverse student population, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments for every student—regardless of immigration status.
In light of recent national developments, we want to reassure our community that our district policies strictly prohibit immigration enforcement on school campuses without a valid judicial warrant. We are also committed to protecting the confidentiality of student and family information in accordance with the law.
All school staff have been reminded of the proper procedures to follow should immigration or law enforcement officials come to a school site. Additionally, schools have access to resources such as “Know Your Rights” materials and legal support contacts to help guide and protect families. Each school will also receive “Red Cards” in English and Spanish, provided by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, which outline Constitutional rights in an easy-to-understand format. These cards are also available in multiple languages online. For immigration resources click here.
Thank you for your trust and partnership as we continue to uphold our values of equity, safety, and respect for all. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school principal or district office.
Best regards,
The Sweetwater Union High School District
Estimada Comunidad de Sweetwater:
En nuestro distrito, estamos orgullosos de servir a una población estudiantil muy diversa. Por eso, seguimos comprometidos en crear ambientes seguros, acogedores e inclusivos para todos nuestros estudiantes, sin importar su estatus migratorio.
Ante los eventos recientes a nivel nacional, queremos asegurarles que nuestras reglas no permiten que oficiales de inmigración entren a las escuelas sin una orden judicial válida. También cuidamos mucho la privacidad de la información de nuestros estudiantes y sus familias, como lo exige la ley.
El personal escolar ya recibió recordatorios sobre los pasos correctos a seguir si un oficial de inmigración o la policía llega a una escuela. Además, las escuelas tienen acceso a recursos como materiales de “Conozca sus Derechos” y contactos legales para ayudar a las familias. También entregaremos a cada escuela “Tarjetas Rojas” en inglés y español, proporcionadas por el Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Estas tarjetas explican los derechos constitucionales de forma sencilla, y también están disponibles en línea en varios idiomas. Para ver estos recursos, haga clic aquí: click here.
Gracias por su confianza y apoyo continuo. Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes, por favor comuníquese con la directora o el director de su escuela, o con la oficina del distrito.
Atentamente,
El Distrito Escolar Sweetwater Union High School
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Assemblymember David Alvarez visited Southwest High School in the Sweetwater District to witness firsthand the innovative and sustainable practices of the California Partnerships Academy (CPA) Eco Engineering program. This groundbreaking initiative, which originated at Southwestern High School in late 2008 and gained momentum in the 2010 era, focuses on promoting environmental stewardship and hands-on learning experiences for students.
“One of the program’s notable achievements is the implementation of a zero waste program,” said Eric Span, Sweetwater District Nutrition Services Director. “This includes the use of compost bins, a farm barn, chicken coops, and various fruit trees such as citrus fruits, dragon fruit, and passion fruit. This holistic farm approach, in collaboration with Mechanical Engineering, aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable agriculture and engineering principles.” Span and Hector Arias, Southwest High teacher who oversees the program and have both lead the successful initiative.
The farm-to-school project has been a remarkable success, producing approximately more than 500 eggs per week. Students are currently working on pasteurizing the eggs to incorporate them into protein boxes for school meals, with a goal of distributing them to schools across the district. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program housed 400 chickens, with students actively involved in designing and building the coops as part of the engineering pathway. The program holds a California Egg Handler permit, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Through a collaborative effort with the health department and USDA, the program has transformed into a thriving farm that not only serves as an educational hub but also as a sustainable source of produce for school cafeterias. Arias, also works closely with the special education department to provide students with valuable hands-on experiences, such as packaging eggs and engaging in community service activities on weekends.
The community outreach efforts of the program extend beyond the school grounds, with Nestor Elementary students visiting the farm to learn about sustainable agriculture practices. Plans are underway to rebuild a coop that is wheelchair accessible and install a handwashing station to enhance accessibility.
Additionally, towards the end of his visit Assemblymember Alvarez, his team, and Sweetwater Superintendent Dr. Moises Aguirre enjoyed a meal using ingredients sourced directly from the farm, further promoting the farm-to-table concept and fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation within the school community.
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Keith Ballard a Music Teacher at Southwest Middle School and Launch Virtual Academy was recently selected as only one of five teachers in the United States to be inducted into the 2024 National Teachers Hall of Fame.
Ballard learned of the honor during a surprise announcement in his classroom on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Southwest Middle School where he has taught since 1998. He is the ninth California teacher to be inducted into the hall of fame. He joins Robert Bruesch, Susie Haas, Alan Haskvitz, Christine Lungren-Maddalone, Larry Statler, Bradley Upshaw, Sergio de Alba and the late Jaime Escalante.
Although passionate about being a music teacher, Ballard went a different direction in college. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communication from Arizona State University. After working three years in sales, Ballard finally followed his dream. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in instrumental music from Arizona State University, followed by a Master of Arts degree from San Diego State University.Ballard is a lifelong learner, traveling the world to learn best practices that he brings back to his own classroom. He quickly learned that embracing his students’ culture would help them find success. With a large Latino population in his school, Ballard started a mariachi band program in 1999.
This drive to learn more for his students and leading by example is what sets Ballard apart, according to Dr. Jesus Ulloa-Higuera, principal of Launch Virtual Academy in the Sweetwater Union High School District.
“Currently Keith serves in dual roles, at both Southwest Middle, a high-poverty Latino school located just minutes away from the San Diego international border and Tijuana, Mexico, and at Launch Virtual Academy, the first online school in the Sweetwater District,” said Dr. Jesus Ulloa-Higuera. “This illustrates this teacher’s unyielding spirit of creativity, innovation and his commitment to driving transformative change. Through cultural music, particularly Mariachi Music, this teacher has made an indelible impact on thousands of students and their families.” Founded in 1989 on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, the National Teachers Hall of Fame has inducted five U.S. teachers each year since 1992.
“The selection process is inherently challenging,” shared Maddie Fennell, Acting Executive Director of NTHF. “Every year, we are astounded by the caliber of nominees we receive.”
Fennell continued, “Keith’s tireless dedication to fostering student engagement through music has transcended boundaries, resonating not just within his district, but echoing nationwide. With visits to 20 countries and interactions with over 170 high schools, he has shared invaluable insights through various publications. His remarkable endeavors have not only enhanced academic achievement across disciplines but also revitalized parental involvement.
The NTHF Class of 2024 will travel to Washington, D.C., in early May for ceremonies there. They will travel to Emporia, Kansas, in June for four days of events before the formal induction ceremony on June 21 at Emporia State University.
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Ervin Hernandez, the head football coach at Sweetwater High School, has been honored as the San Diego County Model Coach of the Year. With four seasons under his belt as the head coach and a remarkable fifteen-year tenure in high school football coaching, Hernandez has consistently demonstrated his leadership and dedication. Additionally, he is currently serving his third year as the Athletic Director at Sweetwater High School.
“Coach Hernandez’s leadership as the football coach and athletic director at Sweetwater High School is truly exemplary,” said Alex Estrada, SUHSD Coordinator of Athletics and Metro Conference President. “His coaching philosophy, centered around trustworthiness, respect, and genuine care for everyone, has created a positive and inclusive team culture. By instilling values of mutual respect, sportsmanship, and character in his players, he not only develops them as athletes but also as well-rounded individuals.”
We recently sat down with Coach Hernandez after the announcement. With a history of coaching, and a reputation for developing talent, Coach Hernandez’s perspective is inspiring to all.
How does it feel to receive this honor?
It is a great honor to be recognized as a CIF Model Coach. Coaching has always been a ministry to me seeing student-athletes grow in character and integrity. I’ve always looked at my profession as not only teaching a subject and coaching a sport, but it’s about teaching life and coaching people.
How was this season for you and the team?
I couldn’t have written a better story in winning CIFSD, CIFSS and being a CIF State Finalist, but it was the relationships with the players and coaches that I will remember forever.
Hernandez will be recognized at the upcoming SD-CIF recognition luncheon held in May.